Provincial Rifle Association of Nova Scotia
This brief paper outlines the start of the PRA of Nova Scotia. You will note that the title is not the Nova Scotia Rifle Association, but is the original name as it was when formed in 1864. The Association has always held 1861 as its start date due to the first Provincial rifle match held 1st and 2nd October 1861 at Windsor, but as Major Thomas J. Egan writes in HISTORY OF THE HALIFAX VOLUNTEER BATTALION AND VOLUNTEER COMPANIES 1859-1887, written in 1888:
"In August, 1861, the first general rifle match was announced, the medal presented by the British National Rifle Association being offered for competition, open to volunteers from all parts of the Province. Earl Mulgrave, the Governor of Nova Scotia, presented a cup, and many other prizes were contributed by private individuals. There was no Provincial Rifle Association at this time, the whole management being undertaken by the Adjutant-General, Col. Sinclair, he being, under the Governor, the head of the Militia department. "
Interesting is the reporting of the Windsor match. What we have seen included in the header: "Nova Scotia Rifle Association", but the reporting header at the time reads: The "FIRST PROVINCIAL RIFLE MATCH" with no mention of the Association. Of course the first-mentioned header is false as the NSRA name did not arise until much later and the Association did not exist. We can only speculate on how this was contrived, but wishful thinking is likely.
Research
In a letter quoted in part from the "Secretary P.R.A.", to his Honor Sir W. Young in 1879. Young(Young Avenue) was Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, Governor and Chairman of Dalhousie for many years, negotiated Point Pleasant lease to 999 from 99 years, and is noted for many other "benefactions.":
"Sir,
The Nova Scotia Provincial Rifle Association was organized in 1864 and the first match of the association was held at Truro."
and
REPORT of the PROVINCIAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA FOR 1865
"The Council, in submitting their Annual Report for 1865, have to state that there has been an increase of Members for the last year over that of the previous year of 8X(blurred) which, it is expected, will be largely increased in future years."
And perhaps the most telling:
Acadian Reporter 30 July 1864:
"Encouragement of Rifle Shooting __ A meeting was held at the Armory on Saturday last for the purpose of deliberating on the formation of an Association for the encouragement of Rifle Shooting as a means of Provincial and National defence, at which a number of officers and gentlemen were present. It was moved by Lieut.-Colonel Mignowitz, seconded by Major J.C. Cogswell, and Resolved, that a Provincial Rifle Association of the local forces be formed in this Province.
Moved by Lieut.-Colonel C.H Belcher, seconded Lieut.-Colonel H. Mignowitz __
That a committee of seven be appointed to draw up Rules and Regulations for the Association.
The following Committee was appointed: Lieut. Colonel H. Pryor, C.H. Belcher, and A.G. Jones; Major J.C. Cogswell; Captains A.K. Mackinlay, G. Thompson; Lieut. G. Smithers."
To connect the above to the Rifle Association, the 1865 report lists as Council, including rank:
A. G. Jones, A.K. Mackinley, George Thompson, James C. Cogswell, and Secretary Treasurer C.H Belcher and Henry Pryor as President
Rational and Importance of the Asociation's History
Initially Gerry Frazer and I thought the Association might have special privilege related to the Bedford Rifle Range which research showed the Association built in 1864-65. This lead to trips to the Provincial Archives, Cambridge Military Library at Royal Artillery Park, Government House archives and the Registry of Deeds. Although the Association built the range, the deeds were in favour of Queen Victoria.
It was during these visits that we came to realize the Association's true origin. So why is this important and why not continue in the belief that 1861 is the start date? First, because 1864 is correct. Additionally, the Association has a rich and unique history which can be used to portray us in a positive light.
As an example of the benefit of historical research, please read the 2 April, 1996 letter from J. James Kinley, Lieutenant Governor Province of Nova Scotia in which he advises of his appreciation of the history of the Association. When the Scottish Rifle Team visited, they "wished to pay their respects to the Lieutenant Governor" which lead to my meeting with His Honour, at which the 1865 report was presented to him, and the response was " Will holding a banquet this afternoon be appropriate?"
Subsequently, he attended matches, fired the opening shots and became the Association Patron. The media followed suit, reporting the Association matches in a positive light.
Researching and recording the Association history is a view supported by the 1948 constitution which calls for historical research to be carried out. The Association and others can use its history in a favourable light, to promote firearm ownership and use to the government, the media and public, and in other ways which can be elaborated upon.
With best regards,
Peter Dobson
Note:
The above is the result of my research as well as that of Gerry Frazer. All comments are my own.
There are no attachments due to space.
Please use this information for any positive purpose.
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